[robotwizard]

Are there alternatives to R22 that will work in a GE Weathertron Heat Pump?

 

[pecmsg]

Are there alternatives to R22 that will work in a GE Weathertron Heat Pump?

Quite a few but why?

 

[rundawg]

Because your profile states you are a tech, I moved your thread to the “Tech to Tech Chat - Residential” forum. The AOP forum is where homeowners and commercial equipment owners can ask non technical questions.

Please take note of this new location.

 

[rundawg]

Are there alternatives to R22 that will work in a GE Weathertron Heat Pump?

That is an old unit (40+ years). Is this one of those BWD7***** series unit?

Is this unit void of all refrigerant?

R-407C has been my go to refrigerant on dinosaur R-22 systems that people refuse to replace.

 

[robotwizard]

Because your profile states you are a tech, I moved your thread to the “Tech to Tech Chat - Residential” forum. The AOP forum is where homeowners and commercial equipment owners can ask non technical questions.

Please take note of this new location.

This is at my personal residence, but whatever...just looking for accurate information. Have the gauges skills etc to charge it . It's a model BWR7. Is R-407C the only option?

 

[robotwizard]

That is an old unit (40+ years). Is this one of those BWD7***** series unit?

Is this unit void of all refrigerant?

R-407C has been my go to refrigerant on dinosaur R-22 systems that people refuse to replace.

Still has a charge and runs, likely just low. Is the R-407C a drop in replacement or do components have to be replaced with upgrades. And yes it is 40+ years old. It was installed in '78 and has run reliably ever since. Never had to recharge. In fact the only thing ever had to do to them was replace blower fans on indoor units. Have 2 of these units. I'm very skeptical that the junk they put out today will run 40 years without expensive repairs.

 

[pecmsg]

That is an old unit (40+ years). Is this one of those BWD7***** series unit?

Is this unit void of all refrigerant?

R-407C has been my go to refrigerant on dinosaur R-22 systems that people refuse to replace.

He’ll need POE in there and a suction filter!

 

[rundawg]

He’ll need POE in there and a suction filter!

A few ounces of POE, and maybe Supco88, I would say yes. The "Suction Line Filter" is nothing I have ever done, and haven't had an issue by not installing one.

Now I will add: I have only done 3-4 units with this combo, and have never had an issue.

With this minimum sampling, I am not sure it is a true test of the validity of the procedure.

 

[BBeerme]

407C in a package unit with only the existing mineral oil works fine (providing no capacity controls) because of the 'undersized' piping due to the very short runs of piping.

We know POE oil will clean the system and bring all "that filth" back to the compressor. Except when there haven't been any problems with the system, and everything is still clean. Yes, there are clean systems out there (LOL).

There was a huge learning curve in the beginning of all these 'conversions', the emiprical evidence we techs learned in the field put the manufactures to shame.

A few ounces of POE, and maybe Supco88, I would say yes. The "Suction Line Filter" is nothing I have ever done, and haven't had an issue by not installing one.

Now I will add: I have only done 3-4 units with this combo, and have never had an issue.

With this minimum sampling, I am not sure it is a true test of the validity of the procedure.

 

[dougfamous]

For that unit I'd suggest one of the "no oil change" blends. I personally like and use RS44b, but any of the similar ones will do: Nu22b, R422D, MO99, Bluon, etc.

No matter which you pick be sure to replace all the schraeder cores to the newer teflon style. All the replacements will destroy the old rubber cores.

 

[sammyray]

I like Bluon to replace R22, cause no oil change needed, lower head pressure and less charge needed.

 

[BBeerme]

That Bluon is better than anyone will believe.

Often only takes 70% of the total R-22 charge, your split is often higher than 22, and plenty of cooling back the compressor. So, for a slightly elevated price, in the end it is the same and sometimes a bit more cost effective due the less amount being used.

No one would believe me where I last worked or on this forum. It just sounds too good to be true.

I like Bluon to replace R22, cause no oil change needed, lower head pressure and less charge needed.

 

[Sumerduck]

That Bluon is better than anyone will believe.

Often only takes 70% of the total R-22 charge, your split is often higher than 22, and plenty of cooling back the compressor. So, for a slightly elevated price, in the end it is the same and sometimes a bit more cost effective due the less amount being used.

No one would believe me where I last worked or on this forum. It just sounds too good to be true.

The dealer is across the state line; so I don't care how good it is. Too much trouble